Saucer Smear - Vol 56 No 07 - 2009

Magazine Overview

This issue of "Saucer Smear" (Volume 56, No. 7, Whole Number 423), dated August 10th, 2009, is published by the SAUCER & UNEXPLAINED CELESTIAL EVENTS RESEARCH SOCIETY and edited by James W. Moseley. The cover boldly proclaims "SHOCKINGLY CLOSE TO THE TRUTH!". The magazine features news briefs, obituaries, and discussions on various paranormal and ufological topics.

News Briefies

The editor recounts a recent meeting with Contributing Editor Vince Ditchkus and his wife Marion in the Florida Keys. They discuss the factual deficiencies of much internet UFO material but acknowledge that a small percentage of sightings represent a truly unknown phenomenon. A planned photo of the editor and Ditchkus was too dark to reproduce.

Larry Bryant is highlighted for his appearance on the cover of "UFO Magazine", being kissed by an unknown woman. The article notes Bryant's lifelong efforts to get more UFO information released to the public, but questions his choice to pose with fake eyeballs, suggesting it might be for attention.

The issue also mentions the 150th issue of Bill Birnes' "UFO Magazine".

An advertisement is included for the "UFO Detector", which detects electromagnetic anomalies associated with UFO sightings. It is made of transparent plastic, requires a 9V battery, and costs $74.95 for a kit.

Obituaries and Tributes

Hans Holzer: The death of Hans Holzer, a famous writer and investigator of ghosts and paranormal subjects, is noted. Holzer wrote over 140 books and was a parapsychology professor. He was 89 years old. His passing was briefly mentioned in "Fate Magazine", which praised his contributions to understanding the unknown.

John Keel: The magazine dedicates significant space to the "Fortean writer" John Keel, who died at age 79. The editor notes that Keel did not consider himself a ufologist and became angry when compared to them, often stating that ufologists were crazy. Keel's books, particularly those on "ultraterrestrials", are credited with contributing to culture by expressing the enigma of intelligence behind UFOs and paranormal phenomena. The editor suggests Keel's negative personality led him "to the dark side too quickly" and questions the motives of these "ultraterrestrials". Keel suffered from poverty and ill health in his later years, living in a cramped apartment in Manhattan.

Keel's explanation for the Roswell Incident—that it was a Fugo balloon—is presented as his "worst faux pas". The article speculates on how such a balloon could have been found near Roswell almost two years after the war ended.

Richard ("DICK") Hall: UFO researcher Richard Hall, age 78, died of cancer on July 17th. He is described as an important researcher for a long time.

UFO Research and Analysis

Battelle Memorial Institute and Project Blue Book: The issue discusses the Battelle Memorial Institute's 1954 "Project Blue Book Special Report No. 14", which concluded that 21% of UFOs studied were unknowns. Dr. Leon Davidson, an atomic chemist, is mentioned for publishing this report with his own introduction. Rumors of a Project Blue Book Report #13 are discussed, with the consensus being that it never existed.

General Bolender's Acknowledgment: A 1969 document released under the Freedom of Information Act is cited, where General Bolender acknowledges that "Reports of unidentified flying objects which could affect national security are made in accordance with JANAP 146...and are not part of the Blue Book system."

"Who Built the Moon?": This book by Christopher Knight and Alan Butler questions whether the Moon is artificial or hollow. It highlights the Moon's precise size, mass, and distance relative to Earth and the Sun as a "coincidence" that allows for intelligent life, suggesting the Moon acted as an "incubator for life".

NASA's Moon Bombing Plan: An item from exopolitics.com dated June 19th discusses a planned October 9th, 2009, NASA bombing of the Moon with a two-ton "kinetic weapon" to create a crater for water-seeking and lunar colonization experiments. This is criticized as contrary to "space law" and potentially triggering conflict with extraterrestrial civilizations on the Moon.

International UFO Declassifications: The magazine notes that while the U.S. withholds UFO information, other nations are more forthcoming. Uruguay's Air Force declassified UFO files, with 40 cases remaining unexplained and the extraterrestrial hypothesis not dismissed. Brazil also released over 600 new pages of classified documents from 1970–1979.

John Timmerman: A positive profile is given of John Timmerman of Lima, Ohio, an 85-year-old UFO researcher associated with CUFOS. He is described as a "true gentleman, ufologist, and all-around good guy" and a "real Christian". His picture appears in the "Shockingly Close to the Truth!" book with an incorrect caption.

Erich von Daniken Story: A "wild Net item" credited to Erich von Daniken is mentioned, concerning Arizona lawmen chasing a crippled UFO in 1889 and aliens abducting a posse member. The story, told by an eyewitness named Jorge Hernandez, is noted as originating from "Weekly World News", thus approaching zero scientific value.

Graphene: A "wonder material" called Graphene is described as a carbon sheet one atom thick, stronger than diamond, and a better electrical conductor than silicon. Its properties are compared to Nitinol, supposedly from the Roswell crash site.

"Skeptical" News: The magazine notes that "Skeptical Inquirer" may reduce its publication frequency due to the bad economy.

John Keel's Relationships and Antagonisms

Paracast Radio Show: The issue references a 3-hour radio show on "The Paracast" podcast in memory of John Keel. The editor participated by telephone along with other researchers. The editor expresses surprise at the degree of antagonism toward Keel from people who were supposedly his friends. While "outer circle" fans worship Keel's writings, those who knew him personally felt sorry for him at best, and didn't like him much.

Keel's Accusations: The editor shares a letter from Keel from January 10, 2007, which contains bitter humor and accusations, referring to the editor as "Boil" and accusing others of dementia. This is contrasted with Keel's earlier letters, which became increasingly libelous until he stopped writing.

Jerry Clark's Perspective: Jerry Clark writes a letter appreciating the editor's perspective. He states that while there were occasional "irritated sentiments" between them, he considers their past disagreements to be minor social interactions between "firmly opinionated" individuals. Clark speculates that Keel's inflated reputation stemmed from his outsized personality and that Keel's detestation of him may have arisen from Clark's refusal to become Keel's designated successor. Clark believes he outgrew Keel's "shortcomings and the essential craziness of his beliefs".

Dr. Gary Posner's Letter: Dr. Gary Posner of Tampa Bay Skeptics writes in response to a previous "Smear" issue. He clarifies his relationship with Phil Klass, acknowledging he proofread for Klass and had a more personal association than previously stated, including inscriptions in Klass's books.

Kathy Kasten on Roswell: Kathy Kasten writes about government experiments in southeastern New Mexico during the 1940s, suggesting some may have involved humans. Her book on the subject is pending publication.

Tim Printy's Opinion: Tim Printy of "SUNlite" expresses his views on UFOs, finding some cases puzzling but not necessarily alien. He calls the term "debunker" a way to denigrate skeptics. Printy also criticizes Kal K. Korff, describing his videos on Roswell and Kevin Randle as "awful" and Korff as "way out there".

Jerry Lucci on Roswell: Jerry Lucci, a Roswell scholar, revisits the Roswell Incident. He initially believed it was a Mogul balloon but, after examining a balloon from that era, concluded it was not. He points to contradictions in early press releases, the lack of a paper trail, and the AF report "Case Closed" which links Roswell to Mogul balloons based on Robert Todd's opinions. Lucci states he is 9% certain it was not extraterrestrial but 90% sure that more than a Mogul balloon caused the mystery, suggesting a paranormal event, a Mogul balloon, or a military experiment involving humans.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently questions official narratives and promotes a skeptical yet open-minded approach to UFO phenomena. There is a strong emphasis on historical research, personal accounts, and critical analysis of claims. The editor, James W. Moseley, often expresses a cynical or humorous tone, particularly when discussing the personalities and conflicts within the ufology community. The issue highlights the ongoing debate about the nature of UFOs, the role of government secrecy, and the challenges of separating fact from speculation. The passing of prominent figures like John Keel and Hans Holzer prompts reflection on their contributions and legacies within the paranormal and ufological fields. The editorial stance appears to favor rigorous investigation and a cautious approach, while acknowledging the persistent mystery surrounding many UFO cases.